With summer in full swing, we’re shining a light on eco-friendly destinations for the conscientious traveler. Recent years have seen an uptick in interest in sustainable travel, which architecture studios have duly noted and delivered on. Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway, a forest escape, or a night or two in nature, these getaway gems hold the promise of an unforgettable summer experience while treading lightly on the planet.
48°Nord, Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, France
Fourteen narrow, timber-clad cabins stand on a hillside in Alsace, France, forming this rustic landscape hotel. Owner Emil Leroy-Jonsson and architecture studio Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, drew inspiration for the hotel from hyttes — typical Norwegian countryside cottages that serve as weekend retreats. Raised on stilts to minimize its environmental footprint and meticulously built to Passivhaus standards, it’s a worthy destination for the eco-conscious traveler.
Domes Charlevoix, Bourgeois/Lechasseur Architectes, Canada
For those who enjoy braving the elements, a tented holiday getaway in the hillside forests of Quebec could be ideal, courtesy of Bourgeois/Lechasseur Architectes. Aiming for minimal disturbance to the surrounding trees and greenery, the studio opted for three tented geodesic structures designed by environmentalist and architect Buckminster Fuller. The domes are set up on wooden platforms, with openings framing the lush treetops beyond their elevated perch.
Piaule, Garrison Architects, New York
Brooklyn practice Garrison Architects designed the charming boutique hotel and spa Piaule, which sits on a 50-acre property in New York’s Catskill Mountains. Surrounded by wetlands and mountains, guests may retire to one of the 24 prefabricated cabins, elevated from the ground to leave nature undisturbed. An expansive communal cabin hosts the restaurant and lounge areas, featuring sustainably sourced materials and curated pieces by designers including Fritz Hansen, Kati von Lehman, and Piaule Studio. Technology is delightfully absent here, ensuring that guests get the full immersive experience with nature.
Six Senses Hotel Bhutan, Habita Architects, Bhutan
Every detail in the Six Senses Hotel in Bhutan exudes luxury, but at its core is sustainability and a zero-waste philosophy. This is unsurprising, given that Bhutan is considered the world’s first carbon-negative country. Designed by Habita Architects, the hotel features 82 villas and suites across the country that adhere to the sustainable building practices of traditional Bhutanese houses. Rammed earth walls insulate and regulate the spaces with a constant temperature, keeping the rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Azulik, Mexico
This adults-only resort in Tulum, Mexico radiates quirk and style while resting soundly on a foundation of sustainability and environmental conservation. With architecture that mimics treehouses, the resort’s villas insert themselves discreetly into the surrounding jungle. Built using reclaimed and other eco-friendly materials, Azulik also operates without electricity, favoring candlelight and natural ventilation in its quest to limit its carbon footprint.
